"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT DOING THE WILL OF GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT DOING THE WILL OF GOD"

Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

2nd Tim 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

2nd Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2nd Tim 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. These verses, the one from Acts, and then the ones from 2nd Timothy 4, are like 2 book ends. They tell us what Paul intended to do, how he did it, and the fact that he completed what he intended to do. What he wanted to do, was "the will of God" for his life and ministry and he did. There is much encouragement for us, and for those who like Paul want to do the will of God. Let's look at these verses closely and be encouraged.

2. First of all you will notice that Paul was "unmovable" Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

There were many things that Paul was facing, perhaps like you may be. But, he did not let them move him off of his course. He was "unmovable" And, the reason he was unmovable, was because of two things.

(1) He did not count his life dear unto himself. In other words, he had laid it all on the line, including his very life. He was willing to die for the Lord if need be. So, even death did not deter him from doing God's will, he was unmovable.

(2) He had a goal in mind. He wanted to finish his race with joy, and the ministry that God had called him to. He knew what he was to do. He was focused. When you combine a willingness to die, along with a focus on what you are supposed to do, that is a lethal combination for success.

(3) He had a clear Biblical goal and ministry. Notice please, Acts 20:24c "and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God". Paul had been given the calling to "testify to the gospel of the grace of God" That's the most Biblical ministry there is. To tell others the good news. Come back to God through faith in Christ. Paul was on target with God's heart and work in the world, to tell people the good news about Christ.

3. Finally, please look at what Paul said at the end of his life. 2nd Tim 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul was a man of hope. He knew that God would reward him for his faithful service with a "crown of righteousness" Jesus would give this to him. But, he adds, "and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing". It's for all of us who want to do and finish God's will.

4. A quick summary of Paul's example.

He was unmovable.
He did not count his life dear unto himself.
He had God's focus and he was faithful to the end.

A prayer:

Lord, thank You for being the great example to us. Lord Jesus, You were also unmoved, and You had a goal, to go to the cross, and You kept and completed your goal to pay for our sins. You even said "it is finished" And, today You are in Glory, waiting till You bring all of Your children home to heaven. Lord, we are here, and, we want to do Your will, Please help us to live out our lives and be encouraged by these examples of Paul, and of You Lord. In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.